Rising fuel prices present a challenge for growers as they prepare for spring field work. A new publication from Iowa State University Extension illustrates the “shift up, throttle back” technique to reduce tractor fuel consumption and related expenses.

“Shift Up and Throttle Back to Save Tractor Fuel” is available to download from the Extension Online Store.

Older model tractors need more attention. Late-model tractors with “infinitely” or “continuously” variable transmissions are designed to automatically perform at maximum fuel efficiency, but older models need more attention. Spring field work requires varying amounts of drawbar force depending on the size of the tractor, the size of the implement and soil conditions. With a partial drawbar load, the fuel efficiency of a diesel engine is fairly forgiving if the operator will “shift up and throttle back.”